SEYMOUR – The Seymour Fire Department is issuing a reminder to residents about the proper handling of oil-based paints, stains, and varnishes to prevent fires, especially during home improvement projects.
According to the fire department, a common and often overlooked fire hazard comes from the rags used to wipe up these oil-based products. These substances release heat as they dry, and if the heat becomes trapped, it can build up and spontaneously combust, leading to a fire. This risk is not present with water-based finishes.
To prevent such fires, the department advises residents to properly care for these rags. For more safety information on this topic, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers a safety tip sheet available at https://www.nfpa.org/downloadable-resources/safety-tip-sheets/safety-with-oily-rags-wet-with-flammable-or-combustible-liquid.
